Why Self-Published eBooks are Winners Judy Cullins c. 2005
Myths abound about print books being the right kind of book and
eBooks are on their last leg. These ideas spring from
traditional publishing.
Hopeful authors have read it many times--that a true book, one
that will bring you reverent kudos, must be in print and must be
long. And it must have a top agent and publisher. Maybe true
five-ten years ago. Like you, I believed it at first and went
down that rocky road to get an agent, then publisher. Way too
hard and took way too long.
My first rule. Write a short book first. Notice famous authors
such as Ken Blanchard did. Second rule. Write a non-fiction,
self-help book first, then a novel. You'll experience more
success with a non-fiction. Then, you can use the profits to
stay the long haul for your fiction.
Follow my lead. First, I wrote print booklets or journals and
sold them at the back of the room in seminars of the same name.
This led to thousands of income each month. Then I read
self-publishing books such as Dan Poynter's. Right track. But,
then I realized one can write a print and an eBook at the same
time. And, you can sell either from your own Web site. Or, you
can take a 50% or less royalty and sell from someone elses's
site.
Remember one great benefit of eBooks. The author gets by with
little cost. You can send the books via email if you don't have
a Web site yet, and you can offer them as downloads at your
site.
One great benefit of short eBooks. Your audience loves them.
They don't want to spend a lot of time reading. They want quick
solutions in an easy to read format. They don't want long books
over 130 pages with too much extraneous information. Give them
answers to their questions and you'll have a fan for life.
The sad truth that no emerging authors wants to believe--that
they can get the publisher to publicize, promote and market
their book. Not true. It's amazing how many bookcoaching clients
really want to turn it all over to someone else. The problem is
it's way too expensive, and no one knows nor has more passion
for a book than the author. It's not money that rules, but a
creative approach to sharing your wealth.
Another rule. If you can write a book, you can also write ad
copy for the book's introduction, the short "tell and sell," the
back cover, or the Web or email sales letter. You just need some
coaching from a pro. Start a promotion savings account and spend
a little to get the best words that will attract and give your
audience enough information to make it easy to buy.
Join a telegroup that writes each week and exchanges files with
each other. Of course make sure the bookcoach is savvy and knows
how a saleable book is put together, knows short cuts to write
fast, and clear, and gives you useful feedback to help your book
grow and get born.
What's your intention? To think it takes too much time, too much
money and you aren't much of a writer? If you can get by your
resistances, you can learn how to write --well. If you put a
little daily attention on your book project, you can finish it.
Take some small action today and feel powerful, because authors
are a special breed-and the club is awaiting your good news.
About the author:
Judy Cullins, 20-year Book and Internet Marketing Coach works
with small business people who want to make a difference in
people's lives, build their credibility and clients, and make a
consistent life-long income. Author of Write Your eBook or Other
Short Book Fast and 10 others, she offers free help through her
2 monthly ezines, "The Book Coach Says. . .," and "Business Tip
of the Month." at
www.bookcoaching.com. Email her at Ju
